Candidates vie for California R-I school board spots

Submitted — Jan Trachsel
Submitted — Jan Trachsel


Five candidates are vying for three openings on the California R-I Board of Education. Two incumbent candidates -- Brandy Brockes and Landon Porter -- are looking to be re-elected, and Paul Bloch is retiring from the school board.

Brandy Brockes

How long have you lived in the California school district?

"A total of 28 years."

What high school did you graduate from, and when?

"I graduated from California High School in 2003. I also attended Columbia College and Lincoln University. I ended with a trade school certificate from Merrell University."

What is your occupation?

"Salon Owner and Service Provider at Studio B Salon in California."

What is your family like?

"I have three children. Conner, 12 and currently in 6th grade. Ruby, 7 and currently in 1st grade. Nova, 4 and will be attending kindergarten next year."

What leadership experience do you have?

"Since returning back to California in 2012, I have served the roles of: President & Vice President of our California Area Chamber of Commerce. A founding member of the California Women's Business Council. Board member of the California Youth Football Club. Organizer and founder of the California Youth Cheer Club. My husband and I also own and manage two businesses with a total of 21 employees."

What volunteer experience do you have?

"Along with being a current member of the Moniteau County R-1 school board and serving on the schools calendar committee, I have also been on many committees such as; the Ham and Turkey Festival, Christmas California Style and the Christmas Lighting of Proctor Park. I helped to coach students 4th-6th grade on the California Youth Cheer Club. I was a member of the steering committee for Proposition 2020 and helped to campaign and organize their social media. At different times, I have also ran the social media's for the local Chamber of Commerce, California Youth Football Club, California Youth Cheer Club, Proposition 2020 -- Vision for the Future and the California Women's Business Council."

Why are you running for a school board seat?

"I am running for the re-election to the school board because I have a genuine love and appreciation for our schools and community and I feel this is the best way I can give back to my community. I want to be a part of the decision making. I want to make those decisions based on community feedback, teacher input and most of all, what is best for our students. I genuinely enjoy learning all I can about our school district, whether is be a agriculture department tour, a Pre-K class observer, my children's classroom help, a Nichols Career Center tour and so many more. I also feel our community strength and growth is a direct correlation our school strength and success. As a school board member it is our responsibility to set the direction for our schools, hold those responsible accountable, have communication with our community and maintain a positive leadership role. I hope I have reflected accountability for these principles and inspire to be more in the future."

Why is public education important?

"Public education is a foundation for success in so many aspects. It has be proven that a population that is better education has lower unemployment rates, reduced dependence into government assisted programs, reduced crime rates. Our school systems helps to develop a productive workforce and assist in developing those students into productive members of society. An educated society produces a productive and successful society."

What skills or knowledge do you have that could be beneficial for the district?

"I hope to always represent empathy, fairness, willingness to listen, impartial understanding and leadership. I have gained so much knowledge in the past three years regarding policy, budgets, taxes and funding and my responsibility as a school board member. I hope to gain more knowledge and use my current knowledge to build the strength of our school district."

What are the district's strengths and weaknesses?

"There are many things our school should be proud of. We have top-notch teachers, knowledgeable administrators and upgraded facilities. Our school was able to provide the first STEM lab in the state of Missouri. On our annual performance for all Missouri districts report, we ranked 3rd in our district. We are able to provide two pre-kindergarten classrooms that help to develop young children and be prepared to enter kindergarten. We have state of the art sports facility and a community that supports our athletics program exponentially. As far as weaknesses, our school district is going to be needed to find creative ways to control and maintain our budget. With the rising cost of living, certified and non-certified teachers need to make a living wage. We trust our future with this group of individuals and they deserve the recognition and compensation."

What issues are most important to you?

"I've made it no secret that I have been an advocate for a 3rd Pre-K classroom. Children who attend pre-k have better attendance, fewer behavior problems and increased reading potential by 4th grade. I am also looking forward to the development of an indoor athletic facility in the future."

What else should voters know about you?

"I care about our community. I am invested in the current status of our district but also the development and success for the future of our district."

David Cook

How long have you lived in the California school district?

"My wife and I moved back into the district in 2011."

What high school did you graduate from, and when?

"I grew up in the California school district, graduating in 2001."

What is your occupation?

"I am a former high school agriculture teacher, and I now farm full time just outside of California."

What is your family like?

"My wife Crystal and I have two daughters Lydia (12) and Margaret (10), both are students in the California school district."

What leadership experience do you have?

"I currently serve as a deacon at Main Street Baptist Church. I am a former teacher with experience training teams at the local, state and national levels of competition. I have served at the state level for competition and academic committees. I have also served as board member for several organizations."

What volunteer experience do you have?

"Most of my current volunteer work is at my church, where I am responsible for our audio/visual equipment. I have also volunteered as a coach of various sports, and on local boards and committees."

Why are you running for a school board seat?

"I am running for the school board because I believe that I would bring a unique perspective to the board as a former teacher. The school board benefits from having a variety of different representatives from the community on the school board, but rarely is there someone who has classroom experience helping to set the policies that affect teachers on a daily basis."

Why is public education important?

"Public education is extremely important. We have entrusted schools to prepare our children with the knowledge and skills necessary for them to be successful in the world."

What skills or knowledge do you have that could be beneficial for the district?

"As an educator, I was responsible for my ag department, meaning that I had to create an annual calendar and budget, be able to communicate effectively with school administration and parents, at times conduct conflict resolution, in addition to training students in our subject material and preparing them for contests. These are all skills that translate well into many other situations. As a farmer, I must manage my time and resources efficiently in order to be successful."

What are the district's strengths and weaknesses?

"I believe that the greatest strength that the district possesses is its staff. There are many amazing teachers at every level of the California school district, and we are extremely lucky to have them. The item of the most concern to me is the current financial situation that we are in, how we got here, and how do we correct the situation."

What issues are most important to you?

"To me, important issues facing our district are its financial stability, and ensuring that teachers have the necessary resources to be successful in the classroom."

What else should voters know about you?

"Like most of the others on and running for the school board, I grew up in California. My hope is that whoever is elected, that our goals are all the same, that the California school district strives for academic excellence, and that its graduates are prepared for the world that awaits them when they leave the halls of California High School."

Tony Haile

How long have you lived in the California school district?

"I have resided in the Moniteau County R-1 school district my entire life."

What high school did you graduate from, and when?

"I graduated California R-1 in 2002 and then attended the University of Missouri, Columbia graduating with honors in December 2005. There I earned a Bachelor's degree in Agronomy and minors in Ag Economics and Soils."

What is your occupation?

"After graduation I returned to work full time at Gene Haile Excavating Inc., a business my parents started in 1983. Currently, I serve as Vice President and part owner of the company. My job involves serving as both a project manager and construction foreman as well as project estimation, scheduling, and management of personnel. We also have a diversified farming operation."

What is your family like?

"I have been happily married to my wife, Christen, for 16 years. We live south of California on our farm and are blessed with three awesome children: Isaac, 15 (Freshman), Kinzie, 12 (7th grade), and Luke, 9 (3rd grade); whom all attend California R-1."

What leadership experience do you have?

"Several opportunities I have had throughout my life have contributed to my leadership experience. Most of my leadership experience has come throughout my work life. Being a successful leader requires a person to have a vision for what they want to happen, being able to communicate that vision and goals to others, and then being able to have to foresight of how to accomplish these tasks. I have been successful in being able to do this throughout my business career. I have also served as chairman, on several committees Personnel, Budget, and served as Chairman of Deacons at Main Street Baptist Church."

What volunteer experience do you have?

"My volunteering experience includes working with kids and youth at our church, helping to coach kids in flag football, t-ball, and now this year helping to coach youth tackle football. I have also volunteered in Disaster relief, in areas around us most recently the tornado in Jefferson City/Eldon and have delivered supplies to Hurricane victims in Houston Texas. I try to help wherever I see a need that I can put my talents to use at."

Why are you running for a school board seat?

"I am running for school board to have a positive role in our children's education and future. I believe the education of our children should be our top priority; no matter what, and now more than ever with legislation that is being currently pushed in the house and senate the responsibility of what we are teaching is going to fall on our local school leadership. For this reason I think it is vitally important we fill these roles on the local school boards with people we trust to act on the beliefs of what we want our children to be taught. I feel fortunate to have attended California R-1 Public Schools and want to ensure that the same opportunities and resources which helped me to succeed will continue to be what our school system is about. The primary component of that educational success lies with our teachers and administrators. I want to be there to support, encourage, listen, and act to make improvements which will allow them to better educate."

Why is public education important?

"Public education is important because of the many benefits it provides to the community. Public education is cost-effective, available to anyone and provides many opportunities to the children of our community. It also provides many extra academic opportunities, such as college-accredited classes and programs teaching career opportunities. Public education also allows students to participate in other extracurricular activities such as sports, choir, FFA, National Honor Society and many other things they wouldn't be able to do without the public education system. Moreover, it allows all children to have equal opportunities to learn and grow both socially and academically."

What skills or knowledge do you have that could be beneficial for the district?

"I believe that the leadership skills explained above and the experience I have is beneficial to our district. My ability to work with others and make decisions based on the facts and resources available would also be an asset."

What are the district's strengths and weaknesses?

"Just as when I attended CHS I believe we still have many great educators which devote so much of their time, talents, and expertise to leading our children. I believe our district has many things to be proud of one of which would be our agricultural program at the high school and the many opportunities which that provides to students. All you have to do is look at the number of students active in either these classes or FFA to see the success and desire kids have to serve as a part of those programs. We also have great facilities here at California and a community willing to support our school and children whenever a need arises.

"Just like other communities and businesses I believe we are going to have to be careful to make sure we continue to have the success we have experienced in the past. The economics of the time we now live in and the costs associated with maintenance, the need for increased salaries to stay competitive, and Budgeting for the future to ensure we have money available to meet these needs is going to be a challenge moving forward to ensure we operate inside of our budget."

What issues are important to you?

"School policies, Student achievements and testing, Budgeting, Safety, and Planning for the future are the areas I feel the school board should focus on. As such these areas will be the primary areas I will focus on if elected to the school board."

What else should voters know about you?

"Most people that know me know that I am a hard and dedicated worker at whatever I do, and will take those same characteristics with me to the school board if elected. I also want people to know that I am open minded to many different opinions and ideas and willing to work with others to accomplish whatever is best for the teachers, children, and patrons of our school district. Also, I would always be available to listen to and evaluate the concerns of people in the district."

"In summary, my experiences have helped prepared me to be an effective school board member who will with others to support the students, families, educators and tax payers. I am passionate about education and committed to ensuring that every child in our community has access to the resources and support the need to achieve their full potential."

Landon Porter

How long have you lived in the California school district?

"20 years."

What high school did you graduate from, and when?

"California High School, 2000."

What is your occupation?

"I farm for a living in and around the California area."

What is your family like?

"Married to Jennifer Porter, who is a teacher/coach/AD (athletic director) at middle school. Four kids ranging from 16-7 years old, all of which are in school at California."

What leadership experience do you have?

"Being involved on multiple committees and groups over the last several years, as well as being on the school board the last 3 years through all the (COVID-19 discussion)."

What volunteer experience do you have?

"Most notably being on the school board for the last 3 years and all those long late night meetings discussing everything COVID."

Why are you running for a school board seat?

"I wanted to bring a common sense approach to our decision making process for our school district."

Why is public education important?

"Public education is important because we are preparing the kids for the future. Having well educated kids will have a huge impact on our community and society in general down the road."

What skills or knowledge do you have that could be beneficial for the district?

"I have kids currently in each of California's 3 campuses, this gives me hands on knowledge of how our decisions impact our students."

What are the district's strengths and weaknesses?

"Our district's greatest strength is our faculty and staff, they are the backbone of our district and do (an) outstanding job preparing kids for the future."

What issures are most important to you?

"Any issue that affects kids is important to me."

What else should voters know about you?

"I enjoy the process and procedures of being a board member, and hope to have a positive impact on kids lives. I would really like the opportunity to serve another 3 years on the school board."

Jan Trachsel

How long have you lived in the California school district?

"We have lived in California School District for 30 years."

What high school did you graduate from, and when?

"I graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1990."

What is your occupation?

"I have been the assistant to the Senior Vice President at the Missouri Hospital Association for the last 18 years."

What is your family like?

"I have been married to John Trachsel for 31 years. He graduated from Russellville High School in 1988 and has been self-employed for over 30 years. We have 3 sons, Johnathan (JT), Jackson and Jaden who all graduated from California Schools in 2014, 2017 and 2022 respectively. Our oldest, Johnathan is married to Morgan (Henley) Trachsel and they have 2 children, Houston (22 months) and Henley (4 months)."

What leadership experience do you have?

"Earlier in my career I was Customer Service Manager at Ikon Office Solutions where I managed several teams of customer service representatives. In my current position I manage projects, meetings, committees and schedules of executives. I have been an officer on the elementary PTO, Pinto boys basketball booster, Pinto baseball booster (where I also started the combined booster for baseball and softball to help build the baseball/softball field), co-chair of project graduation and lead projects on 2 successful bond issue committees."

What volunteer experience do you have?

"Over the years I have enjoyed volunteering in many school and sporting activities. I have helped in the classroom, worked hundreds of hours of concession stands, helped with serving meals to the teams our boys played on, worked at our church picnic and children's Christmas event. I also enjoyed volunteering at the Halo House in Jefferson City when it was preparing a new facility to house young homeless girls."

Why are you running for a school board seat?

"Over the last 20 years, I have been on almost every committee and booster in the California School district. I feel like school board is the next step. It was always my plan to run for school board when my boys had all graduated and our youngest graduated last year. Now I want to do what I can to support the school where our grandchildren, great-nieces and friends children and grandchildren will go in the years to come."

Why is public education important?

"Public education is important so that all kids have the advantage of a good education."

What skills or knowledge do you have that could be beneficial for the district?

"I have spent the last 20 years deeply involved in my boys education at California school district. I built personal relationships with other parents, teachers, administrators and coaches to be sure they felt they could call on me at any moment. I was called on for opinions, advice and volunteer requests. If I get on the school board, I am excited to continue to build those relationships and work toward the same goals."

What are the district's strengths and weaknesses?

"Our district has great staff and parent involvement. Another huge strength in our district, in my opinion, is our size. We are large enough to offer so many great opportunities, but small enough to know everyone and have relationships that really make a difference. I really enjoy being on a first name basis with all the teachers and staff. This is much harder in a larger district. I don't know that this is a weakness in our district, but I think it is very important to make sure that our teachers feel appreciated. Children of all ages can bring any number of challenges that teachers have to deal with on a daily basis and sometimes do not get a lot of support from parents. I want these teachers to know that we appreciate what they do every single day."

What issues are most important to you?

"One of the main reasons I am running for school board is to be sure that our school continues to focus on the basics of a good education. History, Science, Mathematics and English. So many schools you hear about around the country are muddying the waters with being politically correct. Schools should not be involved in personal or political choices that teachers or students are making. A school should not be forced to teach a subject that is the opinion of someone in our government or public settings. School should be about learning facts and leave opinions out of it."

What else should voters know about you?

"I went to a large school in Aurora, Colorado, then in Jefferson City. I did not have a good school experience and have dedicated a lot of time in the last 20 years to be sure that my boys, my nieces and nephews and all students at California schools have the best experience possible. I am excited at the prospect of continuing this mission in the role of school board member if I am elected. I would appreciate everyone's vote on April 4!"

  photo  Submitted — David Cook
 
 
  photo  Submitted — Tony Haile